Ermine: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when referring specifically to the animal in its white winter coat or when talking about luxury or royalty, as the ermine fur has been historically used in royal robes.

• The queen's robe was trimmed with ermine
• During winter, the stoat is often referred to as an ermine

This word is most appropriate when talking about the animal in general, or when referring to its brown summer coat.

• The stoat is an incredible hunter
• In summer, the stoat's coat is brown and white

Use this term for describing the general family of small carnivorous mammals, including the stoat, or when referring to sneaky behavior, as the word 'weasel' can have a negative connotation when describing people.

• Farmers often have issues with weasels getting into the hen house
• Be careful, he's a real weasel and can't be trusted

This is another instance of the same word, 'ermine', still referring to the animal or its fur, with the same high-status connotations.

• The judge wore an ermine-trimmed robe in the courtroom
• The museum had an exhibition of medieval garments featuring ermine

This word is more general and can refer to the coat of any animal used for clothing or decoration. It's used broadly without the noble and royal associations of 'ermine'.

• She bought a new fur coat for the winter
• The hunter sold the furs he collected during the season

This term refers to the skin and fur of an animal that has been removed from its body, often used in the context of hunting and the fur trade. It can have a more utilitarian or commercial connotation and sometimes a negative one due to animal rights concerns.

• The trader sold the fox pelts at the market
• He carefully cleaned and tanned the pelts he had collected last season